Arbor Day

A science project showing how plants can help with erosion control won first prize at Simi Valley's Arbor Day.

Joe Lumaya/Special to the Star Simi Valley public works employee John L. Mejia (left) brings a bag of potting soil to one of the recipients of free trees and plants as co-worker Danny Antunez runs back to get another bag. The giveaway was part of the Arbor Day celebration at Veterans Plaza in Rancho Tapo Community Park.

Joe Lumaya/Special to the Star Emi Espinoza looks at the poster he made for Saturday’s Arbor Day celebration in Simi Valley.

Joe Lumaya/Special to the Star Mary Ann Sutedja gets a look at a mounted rattlesnake that was on display at Saturday’s Arbor Day celebration, courtesy of the Ventura County Museum of Natural History. The museum brought a few mounted native creatures. It was Mary Ann’s first visit to the event, and she said she had a great time.

Joe Lumaya/Special to the Star Vanessa Flores (right) watches her sister Ana make a necklace out of beads during Saturday’s celebration.

Joe Lumaya/Special to the Star Jeany McConnell, of Simi Valley, looks at some artwork from students that was on display during Saturday’s Arbor Day celebration in Simi Valley. McConnell’s 9-year-old son Patrick participated.